How to Hide Apps on iPhone and iPad: A Comprehensive Guide
Hiding apps on your iPhone or iPad can declutter your home screen, protect your privacy, and make it easier to find the apps you use most. This guide will walk you through the simple steps of how to hide apps on iPhone and iPad using various methods.
Why Hide Apps on iPhone and iPad?
There are several reasons why you might want to hide apps on your iPhone or iPad:
- Declutter your home screen: Hiding unused or infrequently used apps can make your home screen more organized and easier to navigate.
- Protect your privacy: You can hide apps that contain sensitive information, such as financial apps or social media accounts, to prevent others from accessing them without your permission.
- Convenience: Hiding apps that you don’t use regularly can make it easier to find the apps you use most by removing the clutter from your home screen.
Methods to Hide Apps
There are three main methods to hide apps on iPhone and iPad:
1. App Library
The App Library is a feature introduced in iOS 14 that allows you to automatically organize all of your apps into categories, making it easy to find and hide apps.
Steps:
- Go to the Home Screen: Swipe right on the last page of your Home Screen to access the App Library.
- Find the App you want to hide: Use the search bar or scroll through the categories to find the app you want to hide.
- Tap and hold the app: A menu will appear with the option to "Remove from Home Screen."
- Confirm: Tap "Remove from Home Screen" to hide the app from your Home Screen.
2. Hide Apps from Search
Another way to hide apps is to prevent them from appearing in search results. This method does not remove the apps from your device, but it makes them harder to find.
Steps:
- Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on Siri & Search: Scroll down and tap on "Siri & Search."
- Find the App: Scroll down and find the app you want to hide.
- Toggle off "Show in Search": Tap the toggle next to "Show in Search" to disable it.
3. Restrictions
Using Restrictions, you can hide apps and other features on your iPhone or iPad. This method is useful if you want to restrict access to certain apps for children or other users.
Steps:
- Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on Screen Time: Tap on "Screen Time."
- Set up Restrictions: If Restrictions are not already set up, tap on "Turn On Screen Time" and follow the prompts to set up a passcode.
- Find the App: Scroll down to "Content & Privacy Restrictions" and tap on it.
- Tap on Allowed Apps: Tap on "Allowed Apps" and then find the app you want to hide.
- Toggle off the App: Tap the toggle next to the app to disable it.
Table: Comparison of Hiding Methods
| Method | Hide from Home Screen | Hide from Search | Hide from Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Library | Yes | No | No |
| Hide Apps from Search | No | Yes | No |
| Restrictions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Additional Tips
- Use a third-party app: There are many third-party apps available in the App Store that allow you to hide apps on your iPhone or iPad. These apps typically offer more customization options and features than the built-in methods.
- Create a custom folder: You can create a custom folder on your Home Screen to store hidden apps. This makes it easy to access them when you need them but keeps them out of sight when you don’t.
- Use a dedicated device: If you need to hide apps for privacy reasons, consider using a dedicated device for those apps. This way, you can keep your personal apps separate from your work or school apps.
Conclusion
Hiding apps on iPhone and iPad is a simple and effective way to declutter your home screen, protect your privacy, and improve your productivity. Whether you choose to use the App Library, hide apps from search, or use Restrictions, there is a method that will suit your needs. With the tips and methods outlined in this guide, you can easily hide apps on your iPhone or iPad and enjoy a more organized and streamlined experience.
FAQ about How to Hide Apps on iPhone and iPad
How do I hide apps on my iPhone or iPad?
To hide apps, touch and hold the app icon until the menu appears, then tap "Remove App" and "Move to App Library."
How do I access hidden apps?
Swipe left on the home screen past the widgets to access the App Library, where you can find all your hidden apps.
Can I hide apps from the App Store?
Yes, you can hide apps from the App Store by disabling the "Show in App Store" option under the app’s settings.
How do I hide built-in apps?
You cannot completely hide built-in apps, but you can remove them from the home screen and access them through the App Library.
Can I hide apps using a passcode or Touch ID?
No, there is no built-in feature to hide apps using a passcode or Touch ID.
Can I hide apps from the Control Center?
Yes, you can hide certain apps from the Control Center by customizing the settings in Control Center.
How do I unhide apps?
To unhide apps, tap and hold the app icon in the App Library, then tap "Add to Home Screen."
Can I hide apps on my child’s iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can use parental controls to limit access to specific apps on your child’s device.
Why am I unable to hide certain apps?
Some built-in apps and App Store apps are required and cannot be hidden.
Is it possible to hide apps using third-party apps?
There are third-party apps that claim to hide apps, but these apps may not be reliable or secure.
